Sri Lanka Captain Shanaka Applauds Vikram Rathour's Influence on Batting Unit
Sri Lanka's cricket captain Dasun Shanaka has publicly commended batting consultant Vikram Rathour for the significant impact he has made on the team's approach in the lead-up to the T20 World Cup. Shanaka emphasized that Rathour's guidance has encouraged a more aggressive mindset, allowing batters to play with greater freedom and express themselves confidently on the field.
Rathour's Appointment and Background
Vikram Rathour, who was part of India's coaching setup during their victorious 2024 T20 World Cup campaign and spent five years with the Indian team, was appointed as Sri Lanka's batting consultant last month. This strategic move aims to bolster the team's preparations for the upcoming ICC event, leveraging Rathour's extensive experience and successful track record.
Speaking at a captains' day programme alongside seven other skippers, Shanaka elaborated on Rathour's influence. "Vikram Rathour is a good addition to our side," Shanaka stated. "His knowledge and his nature—he always wanted us to go in the attacking mood, which allows most players to free themselves. I really do like that; he is a good value addition to the team."
Context of Recent Team Struggles
Shanaka's praise comes at a critical juncture for Sri Lanka, as the team has faced mounting pressure due to a series of disappointing results at home since the beginning of the year. The side suffered a 1-2 T20I series defeat to Pakistan in early January and was subsequently outplayed by England in both white-ball series that concluded earlier this week.
Despite the batting unit's struggles in these recent series, Shanaka stood firmly by his players, rejecting notions of outright failure. "I don't see any failures in the batters; it always depended on the wickets and the choice of shots we played," he explained, while expressing optimism that improvements would be evident during the World Cup.
Fan Reactions and Captain's Appeal
Frustration among supporters reached a boiling point at Pallekele following the T20I series loss two days ago, with local fans venting their anger at the team. Addressing this situation, Shanaka made a heartfelt appeal for continued backing from the supporters.
"I hope for support from the fans. It is important for us to play well for their sake and for the good of the team. We are aware of the national pride," he said. "Fans have been supporting us. I will tell the fans that we didn't play well in the last three games to get the correct results, though we tried hard. We are sorry for that."
Looking Ahead to the T20 World Cup
Sri Lanka is set to open their T20 World Cup campaign against Ireland on Sunday. With Rathour's aggressive batting philosophy now integrated into the team's strategy, Shanaka and his squad are focused on turning their fortunes around and delivering strong performances on the global stage.
The combination of Rathour's expertise and the players' renewed mindset could prove pivotal as Sri Lanka aims to navigate the challenges of the tournament and make a significant impact.
